Lotus Mountains
The Lotus Mountains are located in the southeastern part of Guangzhou. The territory of the complex includes 48 small rocks, no more than 108 m high. The place is especially famous thanks to the quarry of an ancient dynasty, which is well preserved despite its more than 2000-year history.
History of the name
The Chinese are very sensitive to their legends; many historical objects received their names due to various legends. The Lotus Mountains were no exception in this matter. They got their name from the legend of a dragon that lived in the South China Sea. He flooded the lands, capsized ships, but one fine day the Goddess of Mercy descended to earth. She threw a lotus flower into the sea, and the dragon stopped harming the inhabitants. Over the years, the lotus became a mountain. The most favorable time to visit the Lotus Mountains is the summer and spring months; warm weather and blooming flowers give the place a special flavor. In summer there is a lotus festival where you can see a huge number of species of this flower. They are brought from all over China.
Interesting places
Arriving in the Lotus Mountains, a tourist can admire not only beautiful scenery. Here are objects of human creation that have high cultural value. To the north you can see the Lotus Tower, which is shaped like an octagon. It was built during the Ming Dynasty. You can climb it and view the mountains from a height of 50 meters. It was destroyed in 1938, some floors were shelled by the Japanese army, but in 1981 they were successfully restored. Now it is recognized as a cultural heritage site.
The Lotus City, which was founded during the reign of the Qing Dynasty, has also been partially preserved. The city walls once provided protection for residents on the Pearl River side. There is also a tall statue of the Goddess Guanyin - the Goddess of Mercy, who saved the city. The statue is made of bronze and covered with gilding. This is the tallest statue of this Goddess in the world. If you are tired, you can relax by visiting one of the several restaurants. You can sample Cantonese cuisine and admire the views while you eat.
Information for visitors
An adult ticket to the Lotus Mountains will cost 54 yuan, for children under 6 years old or for pensioners over 65 years old admission is free. For children from 6 to 18 years old or seniors over 60 but under 65, admission will be 27 yuan. In the complex you can also see the sights on a tourist bus; such a trip will cost guests of the city 10 yuan. You can also drive your own car to the Lotus Mountains, but you will also have to pay for parking. The nearest metro station is Shiqi Station. The distance from it to the destination is 6 km, which can be covered by taxi, bus or even on foot.
